Ben Roberts-Smith Arrested After War Crime Allegations Proven in Court

Ben Roberts-Smith, once Australia's most decorated soldier, has been arrested following court findings that he unlawfully killed four Afghan civilians. This is a major turn after years of legal battles.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

Ben Roberts-Smith, once lauded as Australia's most decorated living soldier, was recently arrested in connection with multiple alleged war crimes committed during his deployment in Afghanistan. This development follows a series of legal proceedings that have seen his reputation systematically dismantled, culminating in findings that he unlawfully killed four unarmed Afghan civilians.

From war hero to accused serial killer: The unravelling of Ben Roberts-Smith - 1

The arrests stem from allegations of unlawful killings and misconduct during his service, including the death of an Afghan man with a prosthetic leg and the alleged murder of a teenage spotter. These accusations have been central to a defamation case Roberts-Smith himself initiated against several newspapers in an attempt to clear his name. Instead, the legal battle has led to judgments against him, with courts finding the newspapers had proven the truth of some of the murder allegations.

From war hero to accused serial killer: The unravelling of Ben Roberts-Smith - 2

Roberts-Smith has lost multiple appeals against these findings, with Australia's highest court recently denying his final bid to overturn the defamation ruling. While the civil findings against him have stood, it is important to note that Roberts-Smith has not faced criminal charges, which require a higher standard of proof, beyond reasonable doubt.

From war hero to accused serial killer: The unravelling of Ben Roberts-Smith - 3

The proceedings have unearthed disturbing details from former Special Air Service Regiment comrades, including accusations of "kill boards," "trophy hunting," and "blooding." One account described Roberts-Smith allegedly kicking a handcuffed man off a cliff before ordering his execution.

From war hero to accused serial killer: The unravelling of Ben Roberts-Smith - 4

Roberts-Smith's defamation case, financially backed by billionaire Kerry Stokes, aimed to protect his reputation. However, the fallout has been severe, with judges finding that Roberts-Smith had not only committed war crimes but also lied to cover up his actions and threatened witnesses. The media outlets involved in the defamation case, including The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Canberra Times, faced scrutiny themselves, with Roberts-Smith's legal team arguing there may have been a miscarriage of justice due to allegations of unlawfully obtained legal strategy details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Ben Roberts-Smith arrested today?
Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested today because Australian courts have found that he unlawfully killed four unarmed Afghan civilians during his service. This follows a lengthy defamation case where these allegations were proven true.
Q: What did the court say about Ben Roberts-Smith's actions?
Judges found that Roberts-Smith committed war crimes, lied about his actions, and threatened witnesses. These findings were made in a civil defamation case he brought against newspapers.
Q: What happens next for Ben Roberts-Smith?
Following his arrest, Roberts-Smith will likely face criminal charges related to the alleged war crimes. While civil findings have been made, criminal charges require a higher proof standard.
Q: Who is affected by these court findings?
The findings affect Ben Roberts-Smith directly, impacting his reputation and freedom. They also raise questions for the Australian Army and the families of the victims in Afghanistan.